Santa Claus and Snow Maiden in Japan. What does Santa Claus look like in different countries

New Years in Japan are loved as much as in the rest of the world. It is not surprising that the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun have their own attributes of this holiday, including their own Santa Claus. More precisely, there are even two of them.

How did it happen? Everything is very simple, the traditional symbol of the New Year's holidays is Segatsu-san, and after penetrating into the country of Western culture, there appeared a version of Santa Claus - Oji-san. Below is more detailed information about each of them.

Translated into Russian, the name Segatsu-san means "Mr. January". This is one of its main differences from our familiar Santa Claus. Segatsu-san congratulates the people of Japan not on the New Year, but on the so-called Golden Week.

Throughout this week, Segatsu-san goes home, congratulating children and adults on the holiday and wishing them success in the coming year. But gifts from him will not work. This is how traditions developed - for a long time, the parents themselves gave gifts to children in Japan, not hiding the origin of the gifts.

Deserves attention and appearance Segatsu-san. He boasts a long white beard that almost touches the floor. At the same time, the symbol of the New Year is dressed in a green kimono and a national Japanese headdress. Thus, a foreigner who accidentally saw Segatsu-san is unlikely to guess that he is performing the function of Santa Claus.

Lives "Mr. January" in his residence on the island of Honshu. Despite the appearance of Oji-san, this character of folklore is not deprived of attention. The inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun are distinguished by their love for their culture and every year they begin to decorate their homes a couple of weeks before the onset waiting for Segatsu-san to knock on their door.

Despite the fact that Japan's first borrowing of Western culture dates back to the 19th century, Oji-san appeared only in the late 90s of the last century. It was quite a logical step, because the Japanese have long had the opportunity to see how New Year's holidays are celebrated in Europe and America.

Thus, Oji-san comes on the night of December 31 to January 1 and leaves gifts for the children. He looks exactly like Santa Claus, and you can even write letters to him.

Recently, people disguised as Oji-san have been frequent in shopping malls, schools, and other crowded places. This is a kind of nod to Western culture, as many tourists come to Japan for the Christmas holidays. They are also not averse to seeing someone who looks like Santa Claus, and local children are happy to communicate with the new New Year's symbol.

In Russia - Santa Claus, in France - Per Noel, in Japan - Segatsu-san. Santa Clauses - they are all different: one is kind, and the other can scold. Everyone has their own personal way to enter the holiday home, and besides, they all look different. A wonderful selection of relatives of our Santa Claus from all over the world.

Russia - Ded Moroz, Ded Treskun, Morozko and Karachun in one person. He looks a little harsh. He wears a fur coat to the ground and a high hat, in his hands is an ice staff and a bag of gifts. Here he is ours. so dear, Grandfather Frost himself.

"Santa Christian" from Burundi. Among African Catholics, Santa Claus lives on Mount Kilimanjaro, because it is the only mountain in Africa with snow on top.

This is what Santa Claus looks like in Hawaii.

In Australia, this is Sylvester. Australian Santa Claus is the same, only in swimming trunks and on a scooter (you know, it's hot on January 1 in kangaroo country

Dutch Cinderkalas wears a caftan and white boots. Before the New Year, he sails to Amsterdam by ship, but he does not give out gifts himself. For this he has a retinue - the Moors in lush turbans.

Belarusian Zed Maroz.

Babbo Natale. Looks like our Santa Claus. This beloved Italian character has its historical roots in St. Nicholas. Babbo Natale lived at the North Pole for a long time, and later acquired an excellent home in the Finnish north - in Lapland. In addition to him, the good fairy Befana (La Befana) comes to obedient children and gives gifts. The naughty ones get a coal from the evil sorceress Befana.

Per Noel, Grandfather January. Winter folk New Year character straight from France. According to tradition, Père Noel, having arrived at the house on a donkey in wooden shoes and with a basket of gifts, enters the house through the chimney, placing gifts in the shoes left in front of the fireplace. The French "Grandfather January" walks with a staff and wears a wide-brimmed hat.

Sintaklaas, or Sinterklaas - Nicholas the Wonderworker, in the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland. Children and adults also celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 5, although national holiday it doesn't count. Legend has it that he left golden apples in a slipper in front of the fireplace to his family. It was about a very long time ago, so Saint Nicholas is considered the very first Santa Claus. He rides a horse, dressed in a miter and white bishop's mantle. He is always accompanied by the servant-Moor Black Peter, who carries a sack with gifts for obedient children behind his back, and in his hands - rods for rascals.

Daidi na Nollaig is Father Christmas's Irish counterpart. Ireland is a religious country and appreciates its good old traditions. That is why the New Year in Ireland will be saturated with mysticism and unusualness.

In Cyprus and Greece, Father Frost is called Vasily.

USA - Santa Claus. An American grandfather wears a cap and a red jacket, smokes a pipe, travels through the air on reindeer, and enters the house through a pipe. Santa Claus is the most famous partner of Santa Claus. Gray hair, a neat beard and mustache. A dark leather belt wraps around a thick belly. In essence, this is an elf-lover. Most often, he has glasses on his nose, and in his mouth a smoking pipe (in last years tries not to "press" on this element of the image).

Sweden - Chris Kringle, Yulnissan, Yul Tomten (Yolotomten), Sweden has two Santa Clauses: a stooped grandfather with a knobby nose Yultomten and a dwarf Yulnissaar. And he and the other on New Year's Eve go home and leave gifts on the windowsills.

Many peoples of Russia have a similar character: the Karelians call him Pakkaine (Morozets), and he is young.

Mongolia - Uvlin Uvgun, Yamal Iri. accompanied by Zazan Okhin (Snow Maiden) and Shina Zhila ( boy-new year). New Year in Mongolia coincides with the holiday of cattle breeding, so Santa Claus wears the clothes of a cattle breeder. In Mongolia, Santa Claus looks like a shepherd. He is dressed in a shaggy fur coat and a large fox hat. On his side he has a snuffbox, flint and flint, and in his hands a long whip.

Ehee Dyyl or Chishan - Yakut Santa Claus.

This New Year character, apparently, “settled down” better than other New Year colleagues. Judge for yourself: his wife Kykhyn Khotun knows winter time; three daughters Saaschaan, Saiyna and Kykhyunei share spring, summer and autumn duties among themselves. What Ehee Dyil himself is doing is not entirely clear.

In China, Santa Claus is called simply and uncomplicated: Dong Che Lao Ren or Shan Dan Laozhen. Despite the exotic name, the Chinese grandfather's habits do not differ at all from the famous Santa Claus.

Jollopukki lives in Finland. He has a wife, Maria. Yollopukki wears a long sheepskin coat, and warns of his appearance with a bell. Youlupukki, such a name was given to him for a reason: "Youlu" means Christmas, and "pukki" - a goat. Many years ago, Santa Claus wore a goat skin and delivered gifts on a goat. In the photo, Yollopukki on the right with his Hungarian counterpart.

Santas of the world. Norway - Nisse (small brownies). ... Even though Nisse is a caring protector of the home, he is very vindictive. isse - a creature from Scandinavian folklore, daimon (genius), brownie. In Norway, the following are distinguished among nisse: Domovoy nisse Christmas nisse Church nisse Ship nisse Forest nisse Domovoy nisse is called so only in the south and east of Norway.

Japanese Santa Claus Oji-san. In Japan, 108 bells are used to herald the New Year. The most popular new year gift- Kumade - a bamboo rake, so that there is something to rake in happiness. Houses are decorated with pine branches, pine is a symbol of longevity. In Japan (recently) two Santa Claus compete - Segatsu-san and the newcomer Oji-san (a modified version of the American Santa Claus). Unlike the young Oji, the traditional Segatsu-san has to go home for a whole week, which the Japanese call "golden." Dressed in a traditional Japanese Segatsu-san in a sky blue kimono. He does not give gifts to kids, but only wishes every Japanese person a Happy New Year. Gifts for children are made by their parents. Segatsu-san means "Lord New Year".

Almost every country in the world has its own kind grandfather who brings gifts for the New Year. Let's try to get to know them better, writes 112.ua.

Santa Claus, Santa Claus, even Yolopukki and Per Noel - these names of fabulous New Year's characters are known, if not to everyone, then to very many. What about Tovlis Boboa or Oji-san?

Many of the countries of the world can boast of their "Santa Clauses". They may have a different name, not wear a fur coat or beard, have a completely different biography, but one thing remains unchanged - they are the symbols of the New Year holidays and are responsible for good mood on New Years and Christmas Eve. Let's get acquainted with the most famous (as well as the most unusual).

Father Frost

Photos from open sources

Santa Claus is a native of the Soviet era. The creation of the canonical image of this New Year character dates back to the late 1930s.
He is depicted as an old man in a blue, blue, red or white fur coat, with a long white beard and a staff in his hand, in felt boots.
Often appears in the company of Snegurochka's granddaughter.
The influence of Santa Claus has spread to many countries of Eastern Europe. In particular, on the countries of the former socialist camp.
In 1999, Veliky Ustyug was recognized as the official residence of Father Frost in Russia. In 2003, the residence of the Belarusian Dzedo Maroz appeared on the territory of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park (but more about him below).
In Ukraine, in recent years, there has been a slight drop in the popularity of Santa Claus in favor of St. Nicholas.

Santa Claus

From open sources

Western European and North American fairytale character

Saint Nicholas is the prototype of Santa Claus.
In America Santa was "brought" by the Dutch immigrants, who celebrate the Sinter Klaas holiday in their homeland on December 6 (more about him later.
Over time, the Dutch name for St. Nicholas was simplified and changed to Santa Claus, and the time of celebration merged with the Christmas holidays.
Modern Santa was invented in 1823 by Clement Clarke Moore
It is believed that Santa Claus travels on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
Deer Names: Swift, Dancer, Prancing, Grumpy, Comet, Cupid, Thunder, Lightning.
To leave gifts for children and adults, Santa enters houses through the chimneys.
By the way, in order to collect and deliver gifts on time, Santa has assistants - elves.

Yolupukki

From open sources

Finnish "Santa Claus"

Translated from Finnish, it means "Christmas goat".
At Yolupukki long hair, he wears a tall cone-shaped hat and red robes.
He is surrounded by gnome assistants. They sit in the "Echo Caves" for a year and listen to how children behave around the world, and before Christmas they sort out the Christmas mail.
Yolupukki has a wife - Muori. She personifies winter.

Pere Noel and Saint Chaland

From open sources

And this is the French. And yes, there are two of them at once.

Per-Noel is kind and carries gifts for children. Chaland is not so kind and carries in the basket rods for naughty and lazy children.
The predecessor of the modern Per-Noel first appeared on the modern territory of France - in the borderland of Lorraine, where, according to legend, he came to good obedient children and gave them gifts.
How to visually recognize who is who? Per-Noel was portrayed in several versions: with a staff, similar to the bishop's rod, and in a wide-brimmed hat. Or in a long red robe trimmed with white fur. Chaland is a bearded old man, dressed in a fur hat and a warm traveling raincoat.

Babbo Natale

From open sources

Italy next in line

Babbo Natale is practically indistinguishable from the American Santa Claus.
This is a kind bearded grandfather in a red jacket and red trousers, who rides in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
Interestingly, there is another character. Her name is Befana.
Befana looks like Baba Yaga, better known to all. She is wearing a long cloak and a pointed hat.
Before her appearance, children hang stockings and shoes from the fireplace.
According to legend, Befana flies in on a magic broomstick, opens the door with a golden key and puts delicacies in the stockings and shoes of exemplary children, and leaves embers or ashes to the pranksters.

Weinachtsman

Translated - "Christmas man".
Weinachtsman comes to visit on the evening before Christmas with Christkind.
He looks like a friendly old man with a long white beard and a red coat with white fur.
Christkind is dressed in a white outfit and is usually the image of a girl or a female angel.
Only obedient children receive gifts. Capricious and playful - remain empty-handed.

Sintyerklaas

From open sources

Well, here is Holland (well, Belgium, by the way)

This is an old man with a white beard and hair, in a red robe and miter, who rides a white horse.
Sinterklaas has the big Book, which describes gifts for all children, their names and addresses.
He arrives by steamer at the end of November from Spain to bring all the gifts by December 5th.
In many cities, after his arrival, he officially and solemnly drives through the streets with his retinue and receives a reception from the city authorities.

Tovlis babua

From open sources

This is already Georgia

Translated as "snow grandfather"
Looks like a gray-haired old man with a long beard, dressed in a black or white chokha with a white cloak. On the head is a traditional Svan hat.
Tovlis babua brings gifts to children in a large bag called khurjini.

Zyuzya

He is depicted as a short grandfather with a long gray beard. He walks barefoot, without a hat, in a white jacket. In his hand is an iron mace.
To placate Zyuzya, Belarusians put some kutya in a separate plate on Christmas night and leave it on a separate table overnight.

Oji-san and Dan Laozhen

From open sources

Japanese and Chinese "Santas"

The traditional Japanese "Santa Claus" was recently alone - Segatsu-San. Now there are two of them - added Oji-san.
Oji-san is a modified version of the American Santa Claus.
He brings gifts by sea. Dressed in a traditional red sheepskin coat.
Dan Laozhen is practically no different from Santa Claus. At least the traditions of giving gifts are the same.
He looks like a wise old man. He wears silk clothes, moves around the country on horseback.

More names of "colleagues"

Hawaiian Santa Claus From open sources

in Bulgaria - Dyado Koleda

in Brazil - Papa Noel

in Hungary - Nikalaus or Telara

in Hawaii - Kanakaloka

in Israel - Sylvester

in Spain and Latin America- Papa Noel

in Poland - Saint Nicholas

in Portugal - Pai Natal

in Turkey - Noel Baba

in the Czech Republic and Slovakia - Jerzychek

in Estonia - Jyuluvana

At the end of the series of articles about New Year's wizards, I would like to offer you a trip to Japan and introduce you to the local Santa Claus, whose name is Segatsu-san.

The name of this Santa Claus comes from the name of the first month of the year - January, which in Japanese sounds like "shogatsu". It should be noted that this Christmas wizard differs significantly from their European counterparts. Let's start with the fact that Santa Claus prefers to dress in the Land of the Rising Sun mainly in a green kimono.

It should also be noted that Segatsu-san goes around people's homes not just one night, but a whole week, which the Japanese call "golden", and preparations for it begin in mid-December. But the main difference from the previous Santa Clauses I presented is that Segatsu-san does not give gifts, but simply goes home and wishes everyone a Happy New Year. Gifts are given to children by their parents.

The Japanese are very responsible for the New Year celebrations. For the Japanese Santa Claus, in front of the houses, they build a small gate made of bamboo sticks with pine branches... This gate is called Kadomatsu. And richer people plant dwarf trees of pine, plum or flowering peach. Children dress up in new clothes to be healthy and successful in the coming year. They play hanetsuki (Japanese version of badminton), participate in New Year's performances, build houses and figurines out of snow (weather permitting), fly kites, and at night they must put pictures of sailing ships under the pillow so that they are visited by the Seven Gods of Happiness. Each of these gods symbolizes one of good qualities: Daikoku - luck, Ebisu - sincerity, Banton - friendliness, Bishamon-ten - dignity, Juurojin - longevity, Hotei - generosity, Fukurokuju - benevolence. These deities come to Japan on a magic ship with Segatsu-san on the night of December 31 to January 1. For over a thousand years this has been heralded by 108 bells ringing from Buddhist temples at midnight. According to Buddhist beliefs, a person is burdened with 108 pernicious passions, and each bell strike on New Year's Eve drives away one of these misfortunes.

Where does this "Mr. January" live? Many Japanese believe that he lives in Shiogama on the island of Honshu.

Unfortunately, at present, Segatsu-san is oppressed in every possible way by the relatively young Santa Claus - Oji-san. He is a modified version of the American Santa Claus. Now more and more children prefer Oji-san, and this is not surprising: Oji-san, unlike his "older brother", visits Japan only one night a year, namely from December 31 to January 1, carrying gifts by sea and giving them to the guys. Oji-san is wearing a traditional red sheepskin coat.

In conclusion, I would like to express the hope that the belief in the old man Segatsu-san will not be forgotten in Japan, because otherwise the Japanese tradition of celebrating the New Year will undergo a radical change and lose its roots. But it is in the ancient traditions that the special magic of Japan lies.

Arcueid Kurapira | 01/18/2014

The main New Year's character, of course, is Santa Claus. A tall old man with a long white beard, in a red fur coat, with a staff and a bag of gifts. But in every country works your Santa Claus ...

Russia - Ded Moroz... As mentioned above - This is a tall old man with a long white beard, in a red fur coat, with a staff and a bag of gifts. But earlier the ancient Slavs represented him as a short, stooped old man with a long gray beard. He walks through the forests and fields, knocks with his staff and freezes the reservoirs with ice. He does not like those who complain about the fierce winter, and to those who are happy, on the contrary, he gives vigor and a healthy, hot blush. Image our Santa Claus, which has survived to this day, was created by Soviet filmmakers in the mid-30s of the 20th century.

Germany - Santa Nikolaus and Weinachtsmann... Santa Nikolaus does not come around Christmas, but on December 6, on the day of St. Nicholas and, together with his servant Ruprecht, gives gifts to good children, and to those who are guilty - Rozgi. But on Christmas, Vainakhtsman comes to the children, very similar to our Santa Claus. Before going to bed, children leave a plate for gifts, and put hay in their shoes for his donkey. Most often, it is customary to celebrate this holiday with the family.

- Shan Dan Laozhen, Dong Che Lao Ren or Sho Hin. It is customary to decorate the "Trees of Light" for the New Year. They are decorated with flowers, lanterns and garlands. Little Chinese people hang stockings on the wall, where Dong Che Lao Ren (Grandfather Christmas) puts Christmas gifts.

Segatsu-san (Japanese Santa Claus)

Japan - Oji-san, Segatsu-san or Hoteisho.Hoteisho is God with eyes on the back of his head, who sees everything. The main symbol of the New Year. All people worship him and ask for happiness and good luck in the New Year. But recently, two more characters Oji-san and Segatsu-san began to fight for the symbol of New Year and Christmas.Segatsu-san wears a blue kimono. He goes around all the houses before Christmas and congratulates New Years holidays, but does not give gifts.Oji-san looks like Santa Claus and, unlike Segatsu-san, gives gifts to children, probably because of this he became more loved.

The name of this Santa Claus comes from the name of the first month of the year - January, which in Japanese sounds like "shogatsu". It should be noted that this Christmas wizard differs significantly from their European counterparts. Let's start with the fact that Santa Claus prefers to dress in the Land of the Rising Sun mainly in a green kimono.It should also be noted that Segatsu-san goes around people's houses not just one night, but a whole week, which the Japanese call "golden", and preparations for it begin in mid-December. But the main difference from previous Santa Clauses is that Segatsu-san does not give gifts, but simply goes home and wishes everyone a Happy New Year.The Japanese take a very responsible attitude to the New Year celebrations. For the Japanese Santa Claus, a small gate is built in front of the houses of bamboo sticks with pine branches. This gate is called Kadomatsu. And richer people plant dwarf trees of pine, plum or flowering peach. Children dress up in new clothes to be healthy and lucky in the coming year. They play hanetsuki (the Japanese version of badminton), participate in New Year's performances, build houses and figurines out of snow (weather permitting), fly kites, and always put pictures of sailing ships under their pillows for the night to be visited by "The Seven Gods of Happiness ". Each of these gods symbolizes one of the good qualities: Daikoku - luck, Ebisu - sincerity, Banton - friendliness, Bishamon-ten - dignity, Jurodzin - longevity, Hotei - generosity, Fukurokuju - benevolence. These deities come to Japan on a magic ship with Segatsu-san on the night of December 31 to January 1. This is announced by 108 bells ringing from Buddhist temples at midnight. According to Buddhist beliefs, a person is burdened with 108 pernicious passions, and each bell strike on New Year's Eve drives away one of these misfortunes.Where does this "Mr. January" live? Many Japanese believe that he lives in Shiogama on the island of Honshu.

Currently, Segatsu-san is oppressed in every possible way by the relatively young Santa Claus - Oji-san. He is a modified version of the American Santa Claus. Now more and more children prefer Oji-san, and this is not surprising: Oji-san, unlike his "older brother", visits Japan only one night a year, namely from December 31 to January 1, carrying gifts by sea and giving them to the guys. Oji-san is wearing a traditional red sheepskin coat.

France - Père Noel. Literally, Père Noel translates as the father of Christmas. He comes with his old grandfather Shaland. For good children, Père Noel gives gifts, and for naughty children, Chaland uses rods. To placate Shaland, children should sing a song in honor of his arrival. In France, Christmas is not very good family celebration, and most people celebrate it with friends in clubs, restaurants, loud music, champagne, etc.

- Father Christmas... Before getting ready for festive table, the whole family attends church. Children here order Christmas gifts for their father themselves. It is necessary to draw up a wish list and burn it in the fireplace, and the smoke from the chimney will carry the letter to the addressee. And on the second day after Christmas, St. Stephen's Day is celebrated. Donation boxes are opened and distributed to those in need.

- Santa Claus. Well, I think that this character is familiar to everyone from American films. Saint Nicholas of Merlicia was taken as the basis for Santa Claus. At Christmas, they have a custom to decorate the tree. Serve turkey and drink egg-nog wine cocktails. It is customary for Santa Claus to leave a glass of milk and biscuits for a snack. If the child behaved badly, then instead of a gift he received a piece of coal. The image of Santa Claus as it has survived to this day was formed in 1931 thanks to the artist Handom Simblom.

Joulupukki (Finnish Santa Claus) and his wife Muori.

Sweden - Jul Tomten. This is such a Christmas gnome who lives in the underground of every house (in other words, a brownie). He is helped by a lot of fairy-tale characters: Snowman Dusty, an elf, The Snow Queen, prince and princess and even witches.

- Babbo Natale and Fairy Befana. Very similar to Santa Claus from the USA. It enters the house through the chimney. As in the USA, it is customary for him to leave milk and sweets to refresh himself. The children were waiting for Fairy Befan no less. She brought sweets and pears to good children, and left an extinct coal for the bad ones. She also penetrates the pipe and puts the presents in the stockings hung over the hearth.

Mongolia - Uvlin Uvgun. Here they have a whole New Year's family headed by Uvlin Uvgun. He is helped by Zazan Okhin (snow girl) and Shina Zhila (New Year boy). In addition to the New Year, it is customary to celebrate the day of the cattle breeder on this day. That's why New Year Mongols are greeted in traditional cattle-breeding clothes.

Turkey - Saint Nicholas, Noel Baba, Bishop of Merlikia. In general, Saint Nicholas is one of the prototypes of all Santa Claus. Patron saint of children. Lived in 300 AD. According to legend, Nikolai Merlikisky walked through the village past the poor man's house. And there the father was going to send his daughters to work as prostitutes. Nikolai did not like this, and at night he threw three purses with gold into the house through the chimney. They pleased them in girls' shoes, which were drying by the fireplace. The happy father bought a dowry for his daughters and gave them in marriage.

Greece - Agios Vasilis (Saint Basil). Can be dressed in clothes different colors resembling the robes of a priest and a tiara like that of a priest. He does not walk with a thick bag of gifts, but gives small gifts and the word of Christ.

Below is a list of other Santa Clauses in different countries.